Rediscover the wonder of the holidays with a stay-and-play trip to Snohomish County, Washington.

A must-see stop is the Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach in Stanwood, just under 130 kilometres from Surrey. The largest holiday festival in the Pacific Northwest, it features more than one million twinkling bulbs and a full holiday adventure. The magical event kicked off on Dec. 1 and runs Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 18; it will be open daily Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 26-28. Hours are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Visitors walking the expansive grounds will be enchanted by the arched walkways, optical illusions, fully bedazzled trees, and creative displays. Carolers provide a festive atmosphere as they stroll in song. The young and young-at-heart can meet Santa, ride the Polar Express train, taste melt-in-your-mouth donuts, enjoy a five-course dinner theatre program, listen to a captivating storyteller, and enjoy the hands-on toy and ornament shop.

“It is truly a winter wonderland! There is so much to uncover that we recommend staying overnight at Warm Beach,” says Amy Spain, executive director of Snohomish County Tourism Bureau. “Plan a stay for two in the lodge, the Kringle Kottage for a large family, or the Trail’s End bunkhouse for large groups of up to 33 people. This is an experience meant to be shared with those you love.

Overnight guests also can find accommodation nearby in Arlington. Canadian travellers seeking to do so can benefit from the Stay Shop & Save program, which is an exclusive discount program for those staying overnight in Snohomish County. Booking a discounted hotel room through www.stayshopandsave.com provides travellers with a VIP pass that includes offers at Seattle Premium Outlets, Everett Mall and Alderwood Mall.

Spain recommends that those travelling to Warm Beach plan for some one-of-a-kind holiday shopping in downtown Stanwood, enjoy dozens of unique shops and festive events for all ages. “The Uff Da Shoppe specializes in European goods, ranging from Scandinavian cookware to German Christmas ornaments,” she says. “While you’re there, be sure to try some of their original lefse, which is a traditional soft Norwegian flatbread!”

Another great place to get the local flavor and find some holiday treasures is Snohomish, off Highway 2. “Along the route to Snohomish from Stanwood, we suggest taking a leisurely detour to explore some other communities,” says Spain. “From Stanwood, take the Pioneer Highway Scenic Drive through Silvana. In addition to finding some great shops along the way, enjoy the vast, open farmland against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.”

Rather than getting on Interstate 5 when the Pioneer Highway intersects with it, Spain suggests continuing on State Route 530 to Arlington and exploring the downtown area before heading south on Highway 9 toward the shopping mecca of Snohomish. As the route nears Snohomish, signs direct the way to downtown.

This historic community, which was established in 1858 and quickly became a centre of commerce, features antiques from more than 350 dealers. First Street, in the heart of downtown and just off the river, is home to many unique shops and restaurants.

“Historic Downtown Snohomish goes all out for the holidays,” says Spain. “One event you’ll want to take part in this year is the Holiday Charm Walk on Dec. 10, where you collect unique charms for a souvenir bracelet as you shop in the numerous antique and boutique stores. This is a fun and festive way to shop!”

Visitors can also explore some of the local history during the holiday season. Snohomish’s historic district boasts many beautiful Victorian and Arts and Crafts style homes built around the turn of the 20th century. From noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 11, many of these stately homes open their doors to guests for the Snohomish Christmas Parlour Tour, hosted by the Snohomish Historical Society. Each home is decorated for the holidays and staffed with volunteers who share the history of the home, previous owners, and local lore.

To uncover more local delights in Snohomish, Spain suggests checking out a two-day itinerary for staying and playing in the Snohomish and Skykomish River Valley.

“This helpful itinerary features some of the local liquid arts, locally sourced fine dining, riverside walks, back road adventures, and some fun family attractions,” she said. “We invite you to spend time learning why people make this area a weekend destination. Make it a holiday gift to yourself!”

This story was provided by Snohomish County Tourism for commercial purposes.

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